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08/15/2012

DLIFLC's accreditation is reaffirmed

MONTEREY, Calif. - In mid-July, a few months after their March evaluation visit to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges reaffirmed DLIFLC's accreditation for the next six years.

"When we pass these very thorough inspections that have very high standards, we are showing that not only are we meeting the requirements as a military training institution, but also those that even academic institutions don't meet," said the Provost, Dr. Donald C. Fischer, Ph.D.

In addition to meeting all of the requirements set forth by the accreditation team, DLIFLC received nine commendations, mainly focused on student learning outcomes, which was the emphasis of this particular accreditation cycle. Out of nine schools due for the self study and evaluation visit this past spring, DLIFLC was one of only three schools to be reaffirmed.

DLIFLC's Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Accreditation Officer, Dr. Robert Savukinas, Ed.D., explained that being accredited not only affects the students of the Institute, but also the public. "Strictly from the student perspective, it tells them that the content and rigor of their instruction is of college level. In addition to that, DLIFLC's regional accreditation assures the public that DLIFLC is delivering quality instruction and student support services," he said.

For Dr. Savukinas and his team, accreditation is a lengthy and on-going process. Throughout every six-year cycle, they must address any recommendations made by the ACCJC, submit a midterm report, compile an institutional self-study, which generally takes two years, and participate in a comprehensive site visit. Through these measures and others, the institute must demonstrate that it is meeting the accreditation standards throughout each six-year accreditation cycle.

"Not only is it an honor, but a testimony to the hard work that our faculty and staff do in order to create our product, which is vital to the security of the United States," said Fischer.

This year the self-study document was comprised of more than 500 pages and 700 pieces of evidence to represent areas such as institutional mission, student learning programs and services, resources (including library, technology, financial and human), and governance, which includes leadership and board operations.

Now that the institute's accreditation has been reaffirmed, the reaffirmation process will begin again. As a federal degree granting institution, DLIFLC must maintain its accreditation in order to continue awarding Associate of Arts degrees.

Dr. Gary Williams, Ed.D., a member of the accreditation team, commended DLIFLC by saying, "I can see, certainly in light of all that's happened in this decade, how critical it is to have a well-trained, broadly-educated military, but also experts in different cultures, how vital it is for us to succeed in those missions that we have around the world. To see that this institution is at the forefront of that effort is really just impressive."

Story and Photo Credits

Story by: Devon Swanson, Strategic Communications

Photo 1: A Soldier, Airman, Seaman, and Navy officer graduate from the Korean Basic Course and receive their Associate of Arts degree at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. (U.S. Army Photo)

Photo 2: A Navy officer receives his Associate of Arts degree during his graduation from the Korean basic course. (U.S. Army Photo)